I WONDER how many readers who visit the Roborough Down area, just south of Tavistock, have noticed the degree of woodland clearance that has been going on recently.
This is not just from the ongoing gorse clearance rotation — large numbers of trees have been and are still being felled in the area. The Down around Clearbrook, Longash and along the new Yelverton-Tavistock cycle track has been particularly damaged.
Unfortunately, with grazing pressure ever increasing on the Down, once woodland has gone, for whatever reason, it is very unlikely to return. This is not only damaging for the environment and local wildlife, but also could, if continued, damage the local economy as so many visitors come to the Down to appreciate its beauty.
It would be a real shame if the actions of a few individuals spoil Roborough Down's almost unique environment forever.
Dominic Howard
Yelverton